- Florida: Mark Wainberg, a microbiologist who identified an important drug used to treat people with HIV, died last week at 71. In addition to helping to develop the HIV drug Lamivudine, Wainberg was a vocal advocate for expanding access to HIV and AIDS treatments in Africa, criticizing those who denied the nature and state of the epidemic. Catherine Hankins, the deputy director of the Amsterdam Institute for Global Health and Development, said Wainberg set an example for other scientists with his advocacy. "He basically took the credibility he had from science to speak out to try to make things different," she said (Sandomir, New York Times, 4/14).
- Massachusetts: The state is pushing forward with a project to create an easy-to-use website that helps consumers make informed health care choices. The state's Center for Health Information and Analysis has signed a contract with a company to develop the website, which will include average prices for dozens of procedures, hospital quality information, and information on obtaining insurance coverage, among other resources (Kaiser Health News, 4/14).
- Washington: At Seattle Children's Hospital, patients who need a cast may get one with some artistic flare. Surgical tech Cyndy Gluck has started using whimsical color combinations and other flourishes to give young patients unique casts that feature images of everything from Darth Vader to bunnies. She even leaves premade designs at the hospital so other techs can use them on her days off (Modern Healthcare, 4/15).
What does health care reform beyond the ACA look like? Join us on May 2nd
Stuart Clark, Managing Director
The first part of the Health Care Advisory Board’s latest “State of the Union” explores what the Trump administration and GOP-controlled Congress will mean for the future of coverage expansion, payment reform, and federal entitlement programs.
The presentation provides an objective analysis of the next era of health care reform, unpacking the potential futures of Medicare, Medicaid, and the private insurance market—and what those changes would mean for provider strategy. The presentation also includes a detailed assessment of the accomplishments, shortcomings, and unintended consequences of the Obama-era reforms.